Glucosamine Conjugated Gadolinium (III) Oxide Nanoparticles as a Novel Targeted Contrast Agent for Cancer Diagnosis in MRI

Background: Glucose transporter (Glut), a cellular transmembrane receptor, has a key role in the metabolism of cell glucose and is also associated with various human carcinomas.Objective: In this study, we evaluated a magnetic resonance (MR) imaging contrast agent for tumor detection based on paramagnetic gadolinium oxide (Gd۲O۳) coated polycyclodextrin (PCD) and modified with glucose (Gd۲O۳@PCD-Glu) for the targeting of overexpressed glucose receptors.Material and Methods: In this experimental study, ۳T magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scanner was used to assess the specific interactions between Glut۱-overexpressing tumor cells (MDA-MB-۲۳۱) and Gd۲O۳@PCD-Glu NPs. Furthermore, the capacity of transporting Gd۲O۳@PCD-Glu NPs to tumor cells was evaluated. Results: It was found that the acquired MRI T۱ signal intensity of MDA-MB-۲۳۱ cells that were treated with the Gd۲O۳@PCD-Glu NPs increased significantly. Based on the results obtained, Gd۲O۳@PCD-Glu NPs can be applied in targeting Glut۱-overexpressing tumor cells in vivo, as well as an MRI-targeted tumor agent to enhance tumor diagnosis. Conclusion: Results have shown that glucose-shell of magnetic nanoparticles has a key role in diagnosing cancer cells of high metabolic activity.

Keywords:

Magnetic Resonance Imaging , Gadolinium , Contrast media